Opinion: President Museveni has given up on the UPE, should the public do the same?

St. Kitzo Primary School, Kabarole

“President Yoweri Museveni has implored parents who are financially sound to give their children a better education to guarantee a better future even it means taking them to Private schools” (NTV Uganda, 04.03.2018).

The pledges of yesterday is losing value for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the process and the service delivery doesn’t matter, if it ever did. The Universal Primary Education was one of the brilliant moves he did and also got much more donor funding in the beginning of his Presidency. He introduced UPE in January 1997, as the time went the Government of Uganda invested more into the schools. As the Overseas Development Institute in February 2006, which stated: “The UPE programme has required a significant increase in public expenditure devoted to primary education. Total education expenditure increased from 2.1% GDP in 1995 to 4.8% of GDP in 2000, while the share of the education sector in the national budget increased from 13.7% in 1990 to 24.7% in 1998” (ODI – Policy Brief 10, Feb 2006). So the DFID sponsored brief are really explaining how the National Resistance Movement and President Museveni really used funds into the schools to make it happen. However, down the line the investments hasn’t continued and the progress of the policy has lost value. Since they have not continued or hold into that standard.

“The President clarified that parents should feed their children and those who can’t afford should take their children to Universal Education Schools which he insisted should not charge fees, while the capable ones can pay in private schools or ‘big government schools’. “Universal Education Schools should not charge fees and parents must provide a meal for their children, called ‘entanda’. Government has provided UPE and USE for poor parents and here it is free. Those who can afford can take their children to other government schools and private schools where they pay but no child should be withdrawn from school” he emphasized” (Opio, 2018).

When you hear the man who is the leader, whose been the President since 1986, been there 32 years. Saying if you want to give your kid a good education, send them to private schools. The ones who are poor can send their kids to government schools. Therefore, if you have money, you will care more about the future for your kids. Because we as a state has given up the Universal Primary Schools.

This financial year the state is using 10,87 % of the national budget in 2018/19, that is down 11,37% in 2017/18. Both years are really proving how little it is concerning how it was when the UPE was booming around the millennium. In those years the state used about 20% or more on Education. Meaning the means to build and upgrade schools where there, also for more staff and more equipment was there. This has been forgotten and deemed unnecessary by the state.

Already in 2006, the UBOS Statistical abstract stated this: “However, the education facilities including classrooms, teachers’ houses and libraries have not matched the upsurge in the number of pupils. In 2004, provision of classroom space remained an enormous challenge. Table 2.2.2 shows that, only about half of the pupils had adequate sitting space” (UBOS, 2006). So the problems we are seeing today, is systemic from the mushrooming of schools and districts who built-up schools after the announcement of the UPE in 1997. I am not saying it is easy to keep the upkeep after the surge of schools, but if the state wanted them as a priority. They would have allocated funds to it over time.

Clearly, that part has gotten wasted and the state hasn’t figured out that buildings needs upkeep, schools needs equipment and teachers needs salaries. I know all of that seems basic, but the deep understanding of that seems lost somewhere.

Since if you are seeing the numbers, the Education Ministry got 24,7% in 1998 and now in 2018 it get’s 10,87 % of the National Budget. The schools has surged then and the budget is smaller, that meaning the more schools and teachers are getting significantly less funds for their operations. This is clearly the will of the state, as they are prioritizing other parts of government and not the schools. So the pledge before the 1996 Election is now being abandoned, the Ten Point Program point is being dismissed and the State showing disregard for its own system, as the rich can have their own. The poor can have lesser quality and the ones who care about their future can got to the private ones. Because of this I want to go back to 1996, because it says a lot, about why its like this today.

So, we are not going back to 1986 today, but 1996, when this happen:

“Given his earlier opposition to the idea, President Museveni’s decision in March 1996 to make universal primary education part of his manifesto for the upcoming presidential election campaign represented a sharp break with existing policy. In a radio speech delivered on 27 March, Museveni promised that, if re-elected, he would implement a plan giving four children per family access to free primary education (the plan would also apply to orphans) (Radio Uganda 27.3.1996). This education promise was, however, just one part of an overall election manifesto that included pledges concerning liberalisation of the economy, road building, defence, and renewed East African cooperation. In fact, improvement in education was listed as only the fifth of seven bullet points on the back of Museveni’s

published manifesto (Museveni 1996). Though free primary education was only one small part of President Museveni’s initial election manifesto, during the course of the campaign it soon became clear that the promise to abolish school fees was striking a chord with the electorate. Ugandan officials from the period recall that several of Museveni’s close advisors repeatedly sent messages to the Ministry of Finance after campaign meetings in order to emphasise how the UPE promise had been well received” (Stasavage, 2006).

We could see it was his own initiative, as the President knew what would strike a chord, making sure the kids was educated and had a better future. The same resonates today, but the state has forgotten that. They are not caring, they build a giant program, a big school system of Primary Schools, but not allocated or planned the upkeep of them. That is why the state of the schools are going down and the level of poor public schools is rampant. The districts and sub-counties are not getting enough to keep the schools in functions or even the buildings up. That is why we can find pictures of schools falling apart and looking like they we’re forgotten the day after they finished building it.

From a report from the Ministry of Education and Sports in 1999 said this: “Uganda spent only US$8 per pupil in the early 1980s, and in financial year 1997/98 US$32.50 was spent per pupil” (…) “ UPE is one of the surest means that will lead Uganda to the attainment of the Jomtien Conference (1990) pledge of providing basic education to our primary school going population. As we provide that ìminimum package of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes required by every person to enable him or her live as an independent, productive and effective citizen in a societyî the individual is empowered to meet her or his daily needs and aspirations, those of the community and the nation, which are focused on modernisation. Uganda is confident that by the target year 2003, Universal Primary Education will have been achieved for all its children” (Ministry of Education and Sports, P: 19, 21, 1999).

So in 1999, the State was hopeful, today in 2018, UPE is not for all children. Not if you listens to the words and the statement from Museveni. It’s Private Schools for the wealthy and the UPE for the POOR. Therefore, Museveni is claiming to classes and two system, which is really demeaning to the ones going to the UPE schools. This is his fault that the schools are bad. He introduced the system, he made it and built it. However, he forgot to the upkeep. He forgot the pledges of the past, even the goals of his own ministry in 1999. It is nearly 20 years since or 19 years ago. Therefore, if Museveni has forgotten it is natural, I don’t remember what I wrote a year ago. However, he promised this and used his Presidency to promote this. The UPE is one of the few grand achievements of Museveni. Even I can say that. But now its rotting and that is because the State has stopped funding it. It is their own decisions not upgrading or even maintenance of the buildings. It is weird that the NRM went into this, build this giant school program and had no plans for maintenance of the Schools or the Salaries of the teachers.

It is easy to start something, but when it continues, you needs to allocate, secure and also funds for day-to-day business. That is forgotten and today, Museveni has given it up. If not he doesn’t care about the UPE he introduced officially in 1997 and pledged during the 1996 Campaign. I say that because, well they have gone from using over 20% of the yearly budget in the 1998 to around 2000, but now the state has allocated as little as 10%. So it the Primary Schools are neglected, because the State has decided to neglect them. It is because the state has built a lot of them, but not funds to maintenance of them. Museveni knows this, but doesn’t say it. That is why the schools are for the poor, because the President even keeps the Government Primary Schools poor themselves.

I just have to ask the President, you used years and your time in the beginning of your time as President to build up the Universal Primary Education, have you officially given it up? Should the Ugandan population give it up too?

If you I can put the whole situation into one simple explanation: Museveni wanted to give the public a giant castle, he pledged to give the public that giant castle. He actually built the giant caste and made sure the public could use the castle. However, with time he didn’t have the funds or the money to maintain the castle. The walls and barricades are failing, the walls are weaker, the structure needs fixing. The servants, the people who are inside the castle are not getting paid and even educated to keep the walls steady. So, the stones and the building are looking more like a ghost-town than a castle. Museveni could have had a castle, instead he has a rundown ghost-town.

There are too many UPE schools that are rundown without proper buildings, which has been neglected. The same has the teachers and the pupils, who them all are living through it. Their future is depending on it and they are forgotten. Now the President tells, the ones who can afford it should go to the Private Schools instead. The poor has enough with the UPE schools. That just shows how he has given up the 1990s project.

Isn’t this a sign that you as a leader should have retired, since you have actually given up one of your achievements?

Peace.

Reference:

Opio, Sam Caleb – ‘I’m going to fulfil all my outstanding pledges – Museveni’ (04.03.2018) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/I-am-going-fulfill-all-my-outstanding-pledges-Museveni/688334-4327940-view-printVersion-27vqxt/index.html

Stasavage, David – ‘The role of democracy in Uganda’s move to universal primary education’ (2005) Cambridge University Press

Ministry of Education and Sports – ‘THE UGANDAN EXPERIENCE OF UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION (UPE)’ (July 1999).

The 1996 election and the 2016 elections; staggering similarities of government party and actions towards the opposition! The difference now is Besigye VS M7; then it was Ssemogerere VS M7!

As President Museveni lost with no swagger in 1980 he later returned twice with armies to become the president in 1986. The 1986 where NRA took the power; that story knows all of Uganda well; what Uganda has forgotten is the tactics and ways of rigging the elections of 1996. Even Dr. Kizza Besigye was ready for somebody else in 1996. That says something as the NRM tactics was using levels of fear and tell the general public: “if you vote for somebody else then the Obote-Dictatorship will return!” There is something wrong with that picture as this should be the ushering of democratic values that was installed and promised in the 10 Point Program from President Museveni. This was also the Election that ushered in the Universal Primary Election (UPE) while has done certain things with educations and spreading schools around the country, after many years to many of them has been neglected and has shown that the promise and reform was easier then actually achieving quality school education under the NRM-Regime.

The democratic values and fair elections were not achieved in 1996. As the countless reforms says. The Western nations and International Organizations accepted the result as a positive move for Uganda, even with the malpractices and also because still at this time the world saw President Museveni as the new breed of leadership. He would go away from all the things he might have built later in his presidential career. 1996 Elections was “No-Party” election with a new Interim Electoral Commission who was far from impartial. Kind of what the Electoral Commission proves without any subtlety in today’s election climate.

Besigye against Museveni candidature in 1996:

“Though Besigye was a National Political Commissar, minister and Museveni confidant, by 1996 – as his 1995 decision, and that of other officers like  now Lt. Gen. David Tinyefuza and the late Lt. Col. Serwanga Lwanga to oppose entrenching the Movement’s monopoly of power in the constitution and the  near-banning of political parties – the differences were public” (…)”However, it has now emerged that Besigye and other people in the NRM and army  in 1996 were opposed to Museveni running as the Movement presidential  candidate” (…)”In 1996 Besigye relented at the last minute to go and campaign for Museveni in Rukungiri. He appeared at no more than two rallies, and spoke at one. The very personal and acrimonious face off between the two men last year therefore arose from a feud that had been simmering for about 10 years” (COO, 2002).

How not to vote for Ssemogerere:

“The Constant refrain during Museveni’s 1996 presidential campaign was that a vote for his opponents would cause a return to the past, the former dictator Milton Obote was waiting in Zambia to return to power if Museveni was defeated. One of Museveni’s presidential election poster featured a picture of skulls and bones besides a mass grave in Luwero with the caption: “Don’t forget the past. Over one million Ugandans, our brothers, sisters, family and friends, lost their lives. YOUR VOTE COULD BRING IT BACK”; another campaign advertisement stated bluntly: “A vote for Ssemogerere is a vote for Obote” (Bouckaer, 1999).

How the sentiment was during the campaign:

“Ssemogerere seems to have hugely underestimated the depth of fear and hatred for Obote and his party among the majority of Buganda. Virtually everyone interviewed  who had voted for Museveni emphasized that they had voted in part to avoid any chance of a return to the violence and anarchy of the early 1980s. The effect of Ssemogerere alliance with UPC, however, does not seem to have been intimidating. Most people felt shift in sentiment against Ssemogerere in the last two months prior to the election. The Museveni campaign strategy of increasingly emphasizing the UPC and Obote connection towards the end of the campaign period was felt to been effective” (IFES, 1996).

Museveni used the laws to stifle Ssemogerere campaign:

“The Ssemogerere camp tried to set up branches in the country. This ran foul of the law against setting up party structures. The police constantly frustrated this method of trying to reach the voters. There was a simpler and more effective method used by the Museveni camp. It is simply to announce campaign task forces and groups for given locations. While Ssemogerere was attempting to organise by “structure”, Museveni was organising by “process”. The former violated the existing law; the latter did not. The task force approach recognises the criticality of patrons who mediate the delivery of the votes of their peasant flock. In this approach it is not direct contact with voters, which is not feasible in backward areas with all forms of barriers (language), but contact with the patrons who go through lesser nested patrons to reach the final voters. Yoweri Museveni set up a more effective patron–client campaign network than Ssemogerere’s party structure approach” (Kotorobo, 2000).

How it ended:

“Hours after the Interim Electoral Commission (IEC) led by Stephen Akabway had announced provisional results on May 10; the IPFC candidate Ssemogerere dismissed them as false at a press conference at IPFC headquarters in Kabusu, Kampala. Ssemogerere said: “I cannot accept these results as valid”. The New Vision, The Monitor, as well as the Crusader newspapers of the following day, quoted him as having said. “I have been a patient person in public life. I thought this was the best thing for this country. I have spent time with people I don’t agree with for the sake of democracy. I have not known time before or after independence, when people of different political beliefs, religions and nationalities have come together for once. Now all this has been shattered by the stubbornness of [Yoweri Museveni] wanting to cling to power,” he added. During the press conference, Ssemogerere also revealed 54 cases of malpractices recorded by DP across the country. The 64-year-old DP stalwart said rigging of votes included intimidation of voters by the State, use of pre-ticked ballot papers, use of fake voter’s cards and doctored voter registers” (Mugabe, 2016).

Questionable freedom of speech during the 1996 campaign:

“The Government controls one television station and the radio station with the largest audience. There are three local television stations, three local radio stations, and five stations available by satellite. Uncensored Internet access became widely available through three commercial service providers in major cities, although its price was prohibitive for all but the most affluent noninstitutional users. Freedom of speech did not fare well in the context of the transition to constitutional government, including the presidential and parliamentary elections. Guidelines imposed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs prevented members of the former constituent assembly from addressing groups outside their constituencies. Electoral rules prohibited “campaigning” by presidential challengers until the official start of the campaign 39 days before the election. However, in their official capacity, President Museveni and senior members of the Government were free to travel throughout the country for months prior to the election. Rallies in support of all three presidential candidates suffered varying levels of harassment from thugs, in some cases resulting in physical injuries. It appeared, however, that such incidents were particularly directed at President Museveni’s opponents. Yusef Nsubuga Nsambu, a leader of the Conservative party and a supporter of presidential challenger Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, was arrested in May and charged with sedition for his unflattering descriptions of President Museveni. He was released unharmed 2 days later” (U.S. Department of State, 1997).

Celebrating the victory:

“KAMPALA, UGANDA — Thousands of President Yoweri Museveni’s supporters drove through the capital honking car horns and chanting “No change” Saturday to celebrate his first electoral victory” (…)”When Museveni was declared the winner on national radio Saturday, tens of thousands of his supporters poured onto Kampala’s streets, chanting “No change” in the local Luganda language, blasting car horns, and waving branches and flags” (Bashor, 1996).

One reason why he won the 1996 Election:

“Not all NRM successes showed the system’s popularity. The government manipulated small constituencies to gain beholden candidates in many special interest seats created by the 1995 constitution for women, youth, workers, the disabled and the army” (ICG, 2012).

Reports of malfunctions during the 1996 elections:

““The election drew a lower turnout than expected and suffered some logistical problems, but Ugandans generally avoided widely feared violence” (…)“Many of the country’s 8.4 million voters stayed away from the polls, and in many districts, turnout hovered around 50 percent. Logistical problems also hampered voting. At numerous polling stations, Ugandans complained that their names were not on the list of registered voters. “We have waited for hours, and we cannot vote,” said Patrick Nuwgaba, 20, surrounded by about 20 people who said they had been barred from voting. “We have our voter cards, but they say the numbers we have don’t match the numbers they have for us.” Despite those problems, calm prevailed around the country. Election observers reported, however, that in some pro-Museveni districts, especially in western Uganda, Ssemogerere backers had difficulty voting because of hostile crowds” (Buckley, 1996).

Questions about the victory:

”Within 24-hours of voting — and while the ballot papers were still being counted — the Inter Political Forces Cooperation (IPFC) backing the main opposition candidate Ssemogerere, announced that the constitutionally imposed “no-party” elections had been rigged” (…)”We have left it up to individuals to decide whether to stand,” Ssemogerere told IPS. “The electoral process is wrong and its going to be wrong again. If anyone stands they should know it will be with those disadvantages.” (…)”The IPFC’s compromise decision was reminiscent for some people of the 1980 elections in which the UPC are widely believed to have cheated the DP of victory — leaving Ssemogerere open to accusations of legitimising the government when he then took up position as leader of the opposition” (…)”Museveni was backed by, and represented his Movement “no- party” system of government while Ssemogerere was supported by the DP and UPC alliance and represented a return to multi-party politics — a return which would have required a change to the constitution” (Bozello, 1996).

As we see about this Dr. Kizza Besigye and other opposition candidates get the same treatment that Dr. Paul Ssemogerere of Democratic Party in 1996. The vote-rigging, the issues with meeting people, with consulting the party members in the districts, the time for campaigning which apparently happens also before the pre-election period in Uganda in 2015. President Museveni doesn’t only recycle pledges his Police acts similar in 2015 as in 1996. That should be thought of as he talks of that the Movement brings progress. If progress means the same structure that doesn’t offer people freedom or liberty to discuss politics. Then it is NRM for you tomorrow. As the 1996 experience shows; there is a multi-party elections tomorrow, but the signs of 1996 looks strikingly similar, and the Police Force and Governmental institutions is structured to facilitate for the ruling party and funding his campaign while the opposition struggles with unleveled campaigning field that has been all through to the 18^th Feburary polls. There is a certainty that Dr. Kizza Besigye has used smarter tactics than Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, but them both has fought the same monster which used the same style of campaigning in 2015-2016 as before the 1996, as he then gave 40 days campaigning as the districts was less, and the same now to the other candidates.

The fear used to intimidate candidates has been used in 2016. As even the security outfits has been deployed and both the army and Special Forces Command; they have been there following opposition and the police has target their trail as the Electoral Commission has given okay to their campaign trail in the start of the campaign in November 2015. This here shows the levels of fear and strong militarized politics that President Museveni feeds on; that has occurred through the whole campaign in the same way it did in 1996. That 2016 and 1996 looks so alike is staggering. The names of the other “actors” are different, but the end-game is the same. Though we hope that the people who are ready for change will see it as the old-man with the hat will do what he can to keep power; even if the people are ready for something else then his empty promises. Peace.

Reference:

Bashor, Richard – ‘In First Direct Election Since ’62, President Wins Overwhelmingly’ (12.05.1996) – Chicago Tribune.

Bouckaer, Peter – ‘Hostile to Democracy: The Movement System and Political Repression in Uganda’ (August 1999).

Borzello, Anna – ‘UGANDA-POLITICS: ‘Where-To-Now’ Conundrum For Opposition’ (16.05.1996) – Inter Press Service

Buckley, Stephen – ‘INCUMBENT LIKELY WINNER IN UGANDAN PRESIDENTIAL VOTE’ (11.05.1996) – Washington Post

Katorobo, James – ‘The Uganda Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 1996’ (2000)

Mugabe, Faustin – ‘How free and fair was the Uganda 1996 election after 10 years of rule by the political party of the National Resistance Movement?’ (30.01.2016).

International Crisis Group (ICG) – ‘UGANDA: NO RESOLUTION TO GROWING TENSIONS’ (05.04.2012).

International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) – ‘Uganda: Long Term Observation of 1996 Presidential and Legislative Election (May-July 1996).

Onyango-Obbo, Charles (COO) – ‘Besigye Opposed Museveni’s Bid in 1996, And Set Off Movt Demons’ (15.12.2002) – Daily Monitor

U.S. Department of State – ‘Uganda Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1996’ Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, (January 30, 1997).

Finale Stages of the Pre-Election Period; my thoughts on the lost leades of opposition; NRM losing ground; while FDC has the momentum!

When we going into the final stages of the pre-election period. This here has been interesting and will continue to be as the final works of the parties, the electoral commission and the other actors into action in the final phase.

There are two or three missing pieces for me in this time, silent leaders who has been like blown in the wind; they have been cast into shadows and need a strong flash-light to reappear on the surface. If there was like American Milk-Carton they would be “missing”.

First up! I wonder what is up with is the UPC, Uganda People’s Congress, not their sold-out NRM henchman Jimmy Akena, then you are wrong, he doesn’t even have the ability to scrap enough funds to pay up the nomination fees for the parties MPs and LCV men and woman, which should make his father turn in his grave somewhere; together with the pact together with Museveni. But Akena is not the one missing from the political map, the one is Honorable Olara Otunnu, I am not sure if he really is on the campaign trail with Amama Mbabazi as he was loyal and confident in the The Democratic Alliance in September 2015, while Akena was taking down the UPC flag at the compound. There has since then been drama and escalation of political struggle between them, that till this day is not fully resolved because of the arrogance them both. Playing a game between them for the Presidency in the oldest party in the country! What I miss is the wise-man and accurate touch of the political landscape that Hon. Otunnu has been like a shadow. A missing component that could have made a difference for the opposition and showed more progress of the political parties, which he could have been. Please Mr. Hon. Otunnu come back!

Second man that I wonder where is Ken Lukyamuzi of the Conservative Party, the whole party sounds like it has dissolved. He is in the same league of Justice Party (JEEMA) leader Asuman Basalirwa is the third leader who is gone in the wind. They are leaf’s that hasn’t surfaced between the bottles of Fanta Berry and Matooki while listening to KFM Radio. They are maybe part of the TDA. Still they are not anywhere in the landscape, they could be eaten by wild lions for what the public interests knows.

Norbert Mao has been visible but not for the right reasons, unlawfully violated by the Police in Acholiland, while campaigning for another candidates in his Democratic Party in the Northern Uganda. Norbert Mao himself will not be voted in for the Gulu Municipality, because of the Electoral Commission want somebody else to represent the DP there, as it is a stronghold of the party. Mao has been loyal towards Mbabazi and the TDA since he arrived there from the wilderness in September in 2015.

Erias Lukwago has not been missing, he has been in the spotlight and together with FDC; here and there ever since the Nomination rally in November in 2015. Hon. Lukwago has been representing Gen. Sejusa at the recent court trail before he was sent to Luzira, he has had issues with the Police in Kampala as he started his campaign for Mayoral position again, as he won it in 2011.

The NRM has continue to ferry and Voter Tourism; NRM could have their own bus-company and ferry people after the election with Ofwono Opondo as the spokesman for the company as they can recharge the Uganda Media Centre and add a Costumer friendly app to tell when the buses are in the district; something they should already operate since November 2015. NRM bus company comes to rescue if need a hitch a bus from Mbarara to Lwengo or to Masindi!

As I am talking about: NRM has paid for their flag-bearers recently they paid UGX 20m each. They have 32178 of them. That is a massive amount of funds. Just to put in perspective the total fee is UGX 643,560bn that the party has splashed out. While the FDC payed the MPs nominations fees of UGX 800m, which tells the difference between the parties.

Mzee has ferried people for weeks on weeks, that has not been the only thing, his fellow loyal companion for ages Hon. Sam Kutesa has tried to pay people 20k each for not showing up for rallies in Sembabule district, as much as that did not work. NRM has also tried stifling Go-Forward rallies with destroying campaign material, paying security detail to shift to NRM, and also trying to pay boda-boda drivers from not doing their job; to get people from the villages to rallies. The same the NRM has done to the FDC in the pre-election period; they can’t help themselves to try to corrupt the whole population, so they can mirror themselves in them. The sad thing for the NRM is that people is not buying into the cheap tricks of the NRM! 

Mzee is losing touch with his people so he had to relaunch his 20 year old autobiography “Sowing the Mustard Seed”. With a second edition; as his YES MEN says is a good idea. The thing it makes it look like is more publicity stunt than coving his achievements, something the original edition did in 1997. In 2016 his legacy is tarnished by the history of corruption, wars, power-struggle inside the NRM and paid cronies instead of bringing development and prosperity to Uganda as he promised after the coup d’état in 1986. This event today was a shallow event. As much as the speech he held the day before at the ‘Tarehe Sita’, one of the memorable days of the victory of the Ugandan armies. There is something missing from Mzee these days, as the spark is gone!

Even Gen. Benon Biraaro of the Farmers Party of Uganda (FPU) has said in the recent day this about Mzee: “I hear Mr Museveni and his NRM have started pledging sanitary pads, hoes and condoms, [but] such pledges cannot transform Ugandans economically”. That tells how spot-on Biraaro is. Biraaro might not be a top-candidate who fights together with big trio. As Mbabazi, Besigye and Museveni, still his words and ideas has tractions and should be listened to, since he speaks with his beating heart and common sense, something that is rare. As a NRA historical he can really dismiss Mzee on the grades of the struggle and reason for why they original fought for in the 1980s. Biraaro deserve credit and has been visible!

NRM the big monster has used it force in words recently spreading fear to the public in a fashion that is outrages. While they are talking and excessive towards the public! This is also manifested with the UPDF getting a bigger space in the pre-election period. The Police have ordered and gotten heavy equipment to make sure of being able to shut-down demonstrations, the post-elections that are expected by Parliament and NRM-Regime, as they have assured by Badru M. Kiggundu has already the election results in his pocket as his pay-rise proves loyalty to the NRM.

There even reports of supposed ferrying of Rwandan nationals to be shipped in on the General Election polling day on the 18th February, as they will vote in Kisoro and other districts close to the border of Rwanda. The need for using funds from the NRM-Regime to get this people to vote for Mzee!

Mzee doesn’t have appeal as he ones had. That has been seen in the districts as Dr. Kizza Besigye and the FDC Campaign Convoy has made the villages and towns on fire, they have prepared the towns, while the NRM have done the same, but with monies from cronies and hiring people to fix the towns yellow; which is different from the FDC that has been on their own and own machine, as they cleans towns roads and make the venues ready for the People’s President! Something that differs from the NRM; NRM has bought loyalty and only a little part of rallies are die-hards. As the people show-up to see Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool, even the magical Crime Preventers and ferried crowds.

Andrew Mwenda continues to praise Mzee until the bitter end, his own person from the KFM Radio as Radio Host would vomit while reading and listening the words coming out his mouth and articles, he is even published page on page in the New Vision. Tamale Mirundi will both praise Mzee and pull him down, while sounding as a confused hyena until the end of the pre-election period.

NRM is doing what they can to prepare for fear! More fear the better is the tool of the NRM. As Ofwono Opondo is sharing on the Uganda Media Centre; while Gen. Sejusa is imprisoned, Gen Tukumunde and Gen Katumba Wamala is continuing to work as partisan politicians for the NRM, as Gen. Sejusa is not allowed to the same for the FDC! The Same with Gen. Kayihura in the Police Force is working as NRM-Police. Something that should not occur; though it is the modus operandi of the NRM-Regime; their generals can work as they please.

The one thing bothers me, and should bother others who follow’s this pre-elections time. Amama Mbabazi and his Go-Forward Group I must question. Mbabazi is saying to be a NRM-Member still he is an independent Presidential Candidate under his own umbrella. And as a Joint Presidential Candidate for the opposition coalition TDA! If he is a Go-Forward/TDA candidate and being still a part of the ruling party NRM. It is understandable he has ties in the party that he has used his life in. Mbabazi sounds wrong… and make me doubt his will of Going Forward! As he still says he has a foot inside a National Resistance Movement. He can’t be either or!

There will be more interesting things to follow, as the UPDF will drive more through the streets of Kampala as a sign of the election coming near, and the Bush-War general of Museveni, can’t leave the guns to speak for himself, as that is the only tool he knows how to use properly, as he is not a great statesman as he should have been by now! Instead the cronies, militarism, fear, pre-rigging, police shooting and killing, and much more will happen in the coming days. Even with the Electoral Commission, with EOM missions from COMESA, EU, Commonwealth and the EAC. They will not this before after in their reports, as the Government of Uganda has told of the American Embassy as they came with a poll describing the percentage of Mzee lower than Besigye. Peace.

NTV crew barred by UPDF soldier from Museveni rally in Kagadi (Youtube-Clip)

“UPDF soldier telling NTV crew that they have been suspended from covering Museveni rallies” (NTV Uganda, 2016)

FDC Campaigns in Kumi and Serere district today; also checking the state of governance in Serere District

Today the FDC Campaign convoy travelled through Serere and Kumi. From Apaipai to Serere Town Center to the Kumi Muncipality; I will take pieces from the campaign rallies that have been released and the rest is showing one of the districts to the world. As they are sometimes forgotten, because the big questions in Parliament and big men are in Kampala and Up-Country doesn’t get the spot-light it deserves. Therefore I have some extra and to show how the district of Serere has been and how the Serere governance really is. In the same way I did yesterday with Katakwi.

Dr. Kizza Besigye said today this:

“We are going to need all our energy and determination to run the least stretch” (…)”When they bring these t-shirts take them, it is your money, you can use them in your gardens” (…)”Teso will become again, we have a lot to do when we take over power, we will not betray you”.  

I know that part is short, but the reports from the district are massive today. Therefore I have focused on that. So that people get some meat on the barbeque when it comes to Serere District since my focus have been there. Take a look at it!

Police in Kumi District:

“Kumi District Police Commander Mark Ajuna is arrested following reports linking him to the recent theft of exhibit money. Ajuna was arrested alongside the Officer in Charge of Kumi Police Post, James Lokiru Lorika and three civilians with whom they allegedly connived to share and conceal information on the theft of exhibit money amounting to 150 million Shillings” (Radio Buddu 98.8 and 95.5, 11.01.2016).

On Party Politics in the district:

NRM in Serere:

“NRM leaders in Serere district are divided over the Kyankwanzi resolution. While some have endorsed the resolution, others want the party to give opportunity to who-ever wishes to contest against President Museveni in 2016. These were some of the outcomes of a meeting that was held in Serere by NRM supporters, to discuss the Kyankwanzi resolution. The meeting was chaired by Teso affairs Minister, Christine Apor” (NTV Uganda, 15.05.2014).

NRM deflections:

“Over 80 NRM mobilizers in Serere District have crossed too FDC 04/01/2016 and were received by Hon. Stephen Ochola who is MP for Serere County”.

On the Good Governance in Serere District:

In October 23^rd 2013 this happen:

“The chairman Francis Odeke of Serere district wants government to come out and explain to civil servants in the district, why it has failed to confirm them as permanent public servants for the last four years. Odeke Opit says out of about 200 civil servants, only two have been confirmed, which he blames for the poor service delivery in Serere” (WBS TV, 2013).

On the 9th January 2015 this was said:

“The councilor representing Kateta Sub County in Serere district council John Robert Eudu is unhappy with the community for claiming that their leaders are corrupt yet the voters themselves are also not clean” (EtopRadio Alca Na Ateker, 09.01.2015).

There we’re allocated Ush 400m to Urban Roads for Serere Town Council for FY 2014/2015. The comment on the non-delivery of the money in the financial year is this one:

“The funds were meant for FY 2014/2015, but the town council received funds in July the following FY (2015/16). The funds are to be expended in procurement of assorted road materials which by the PPDA law, a firm does that. Also by the time of need, MoW&T prequalified firms to do the supply had expired contracts, same to the District. We have just updated & renewed the supplier list and hopeful to get a supplier. NOTE: Out of the indicated 400M, we have only received 343M without any explanations from the relevant authorities”. Proves that still some money is missing, up to about Ush 57M never delivered to the Serere Town Council. Somebody else needed that without any explanation I suppose.

On the 9^th December 2015:

“Farmers in Serere District have accused the implementers of the Operation Wealth Creation program of supplying them with fake sorghum seeds. The farmers expressed their disappointment on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Community Grain Warehouse built with support from World Food Program in Labor sub-county” (Uganda Radio Network, 9^th December 2015).

21^st December 2015:

“LCV chairperson Serere district was today thrown out of council after he refused to be inspected on suspicion of being in possession of a gun”. That is governmental of him, surely learned all his tricks from Mzee.

On the 5^th January 2016 this happened:

“Serere county member of parliament, Mr Ochola Stephen and the local council v chairman Serere District Mr Opiit Okojo almost exchanged blows. Today 5/1/16 around noon the two got into an argument over the poor state of graded roads in the constituency. This happened at the district headquarters where Mr Agum the ACAO rushed to separate the two” (Serere Times, 05.01.2016).

I think the numbers and stories tell the story on their own. This shows the levels of troubles in the Serere District, that there needed change and also have to rebuild the governance of the government institutions and Local District Government there. As we also so malfunctions in Katakwi District; so it is a pattern. Here wasn’t NAADS that we’re missing, more Road Money and missing civil servants to serve the public in the district something that is worrying if it is still so. Peace.

Ugandan Presidential Live TV Debate was actually on; but Mzee chickens out and is off!

Well, I have written a piece on this before where I started like this: “There is a dream of TV-Debate between the three main candidates in Uganda: the NRM with Museveni, the Go-Forward Amama Mbabazi and the FDC Dr. Kizza Besigye! So what will that be, it should be sent on NBS, NTV and WBS at the same time. So that nobody can watch dubbed South American TV-shows for those who don’t care about the politics or elections” (Minbane, 23.11.2015).

Well, the spokesmen of both the campaign team of Mzee and Governmental one says he want show up to the planned one on the 15^th January. Here is what been verified today:

Ofwono Opondo the NRM or Government spokeperson says: “Museveni will have no time for the presidential debate”. He continues with this reasoning: “President Museveni has no time to engage in a presidential debate for 6 hours. He will use the time in more meaningful engagements with the Population”. Michael Sebalu said this today: “We respect and value even lowest our supporters… we cannot abandon them to go to Serena and waste time!”

 

Mzee could stop campaigning for governmental matters earlier and the papal visit which made him look a bit genuine. Now it’s just a mockery and makes no sense. This is weak tea not even a strong masala mix take away the bad after taste.

If you want to read a made up Ugandan TV-Debate read my former post from November 2015:

The Dream of a Public TV-Debate between top three Presidential Candidates in Uganda

So there is yet again Mzee looks like he is chickens out; just a week away from the TV cameras to be broadcasted live on TV. This is something he could fake or spin is his way. His NRM Team and Campaign crew could have set some standards, but he couldn’t rehearse the answers. Like the international interviews that hunts him and the answers showing his true passions. The same will happen on the Live TV-Debate where the spotlight will eat him.

Though he said this earlier in the year:

““President Yoweri Museveni, also NRM flag bearer, says “he is ready to take on any of his fellow 2016 presidential candidates in a public debate” (…)”While addressing a press conference early Monday in Gulu at the State Lodge, Museveni said: “If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain…” (…)”The president’s comments today come days after Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye challenged him to a debate ‘to discuss issues affecting Ugandans’” (…)”Besigye became the second candidate to dare the president to a live televised debate after Venansius Baryamureeba” (NBS TV, 23.11.2015).

 

So here we are where the NRM and its President who happens to be Presidential Candidate; that can’t be able to show up to a Presidential Candidate Debate on live TV. That is because he can’t all of sudden stop campaigning or schedule with the Electoral Commission or have his screws loose in his pocket; have fear for the outcome of the whole shin-ding and knows he might look like old buffoon instead of the wise old-statesmen he thinks he is. We won’t hear any bible-quotes from him or any imaginary tales of old when the Live debate on TV happens, because he can’t his team, or himself in general to address the public proper. Unless he controls the venue and have all creative control; he and his loyal staff or his loyal subjects who are YES MEN. Because the giant of 29 years can’t trust himself to not blunder or speak some kind of hurtful. Mzee might come with some stupid comment when the TV channel has it directly sent for the world to see. Even if the Government usually turns of transmitters when some unwished spiteful or opposition leader goes too far, than they will take the whole radio or TV station down for necessary time.

Well, we all know by knew by now that this would not happen, that why I wrote it would be a dream in November 2015. Mzee doesn’t have the balls or integrity to show his face together with the pack of candidates, especially not his arch-nemesis Hon. Amama Mbabazi or former arch-nemesis Dr. Kizza Besigye. Because he will not be discussed in the ways of villain or buffoon, but he looks like whiny old man who doesn’t have the ability to carry his own words. Because he said in November 2015 that he would join and be a part of the Live TV debate.

Like Mzee said on the 23^rd November 2015:

“If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain”. There seems like Mzee’s body doesn’t move with his mouth or his brain. Since his body will not have the balls to move his mouth or brain on live TV.  But that is just me. Peace.

People’s President held peaceful campaign rallies today and also had a visit at Lwanda IDP Camp; there was positive campaigning in Kween & Kapchorwa district!

Today FDC Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye visited to districts. Wbere be travelled the villages and major towns. Also visited a IDP camp without the Police creating election-violence. Wonder if the Electoral Commission accepted it today or lost their step for a second. So today we’re a second day in row without anything of violence happening to the FDC and Besigye which is a great thing. Let’s enjoy that!

Before he had the main rally he visited Lwanda Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Kwanyly sub-county in the Kween district. He was led to tour the camp where he witnessed an inhuman condition people are leaving in. The worst of all is when Dr. Kizza Besigye was told that they have nowhere to bury the dead. They bury at night after sneaking dead bodies to the nearest land. There are over 256 families living in IDP camp who are displaced from Kapktwata forrest 16 years ago.

In Kapchorwa at the Boma Grounds, where Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye held a rally today said this:

“Let’s regain confidence as the masters of our land, this campaign is part of the struggle to liberate ourselves from those who have enslaved us and made us refuges in our country”.

Kizza Besigye message after the rallies today:

“Thank you Kween and Kapchorwa! #WesigeBesigye”. 

This here proves yet again. How the people are going to see and greet Dr. Kizza Besigye. As example: they we’re delivering all kinds of gifts and showing appreciation of his visit to the districts of Kween and Kapchorwa. The stories of Lwanda are sad; the other sad issue is the extent of their stay and living conditions, but the left-behind by the government. The other thing about it that is good is that the Police didn’t go ham today. That is good to hear and also a little happiness. That there wasn’t another Bukwo district and incident that hurt people with tear-gas and shooting live bullets against the FDC convoy. So there are sometimes certain districts where the Regional District Commander or District Police Commander who went crazy for following orders from IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura. Today there we’re another day where the Blue painted the district they we’re visiting. FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye had yet another day of positive campaign for the cause and mission of defiance against the NRM-Regime. Peace.

The Calvary went violent around a IDP Camp; when the People’s President we’re about to address them

Yet another day of campaign rallies for the People’s President, who we’re campaigning in Bukewo district. He had already today had campaigning in villages before setting up for a rally near the Teriet Internally Displaced Camp in Kapkaros sub-county.

This was not something that the Police of the area accepted. Gerald Twishime the  RPC Sipi and the police went totally gung-ho on the FDC campaign convoy. First they threw their natural instinct in and with that tear-gas into the crowd to disperse the people. Also shooting live bullets into the crowd; two people we’re seriously hurt and shot in their legs. The FDC men we’re manhandled. People who we’re hurt by the police we’re Nandala Mafabi, Sadik Amin and Ingrid Turinawe got one her leg broken by the police.

Reason for this:  “The Police said Dr. Besigye has no right to address a gathering near an IDP”. Which law and why all of sudden is that not allowed?

Hours earlier FDC had a successful campaign in Bukowo Town. So it’s sad that the whole day couldn’t be filled with that kind of actions and peaceful interaction between the public and one of their Presidential Candidate. But the Police in the area wouldn’t be remembered that way, sincerely yours IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura be proud of your men, your right?

Why couldn’t the rally around the IDP camp look like this, which we’re earlier this morning? Because the Police can’t help themselves, instead we got something as ordinary as election violence from the Uganda Police Force.

FDC continue with your defiance this election violence is nonsense from the forces of the government. Not righteous or justice, just foolish and damaging. Peace.  

Mzee campaigns in Kabale; shuns the regulations by the Electoral Commission again; while Police steady looks at their master

Today there been issues with NRM and Mzee campaigning that have involved in the matter of electoral practices. Firstly the comrades for the National Resistance Movement decided to tear up Go-Forward Posters and pin-up posters of Mzee in Karamoja region. The pictures tell the story. The other issues are bigger, but the Electoral Commission has said before the campaign rallies that this was not acceptable, still it happens everywhere and Mzee’s campaign posters are standing strong and not touched while opposition candidates ones are destroyed or pinned over. That must be something to think about Badru Kiggundu aye?

Today NRM Convoy where in the Kabale region and had campaign rallies in the area. So before the campaign rallies the President Museveni had to breach the new-found regulations that Presidential Candidates are not allowed to visit.

First: He visited the Kabale Muncipal Grounds and laid flowers (Wreath) on the graves of the fallen Patriotic Freedom Fighters who we’re fallen in 1973. This is Okayed by the Electoral Commission while Hon. Amama Mbabazi we’re not allowed into a Memorial Grounds during his campaign trail. Well, who can stop the almighty President right?

Second: He visit a public building which is a museum in Muhanga Town, this was the Great Lakes Museum. To oversee the structure and building; something that would been closed down by Police and not let the other Presidential Candidate visit the premises.

Third: There we’re rally over the stipulated time in Kabale from the Mzee, the other candidates get issues and closed venues if they go over the 6:00 PM. This have happen to Hon. Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye during the campaign trail. Mzee hold it over the time while the Police we’re standing and looking at the breach of the regulation, because they know who keeps them paid.

Fourth: The citizens who would attend the rally in Kabale we’re promised UGX 3,000shs for attending the rallies that is real loyalty just the way Mzee likes it. If he can pay you and you do something for him, then you’re a proud NRM-Supporter.

So know we have all seen this and known that in recent days that the Anti-Riot Police have followed Hon. Amama Mbabazi and police have tried to get people to shun the campaign rallies of Dr. Kizza Besigye, how can he continue like nothing? And still claim to be democratic and ask for respectful language from his competitors?

There are so much I could say and describe in on matter, but at this point why should I. There is coming more and we are 45 day to the polls starts smashing and I fear the online will strike and social media shut-down on 18^th February. We all know that the beacon of truth and justice is dangerous of Mzee and his cadres. So here we are, his tactics and opposition fear-mongering are continuing. Like the life-time ruler he is and wish to overcome an be able to reign for over 30 years. Peace.  

Today the People’s President visits Nakaseke district and met a hostile Police Force

While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Campaign convoy went to Nakaseke district for continuation of the campaign rallies towards the General Election in 18^th February 2016. Dr. Kizza Besigye have been scheduled for travelling the district and campaigning. That is expected by now, since he has tirelessly since November like any Presidential Candidate has done.

What that happen today we’re not really news. The Police we’re following the campaign trail of FDC convoy in the district. The thing that is bothering and sad is to see the operational factor of having police ferrying the so called crime-preventers from village to village, and town to town to get people to shun the campaign rallies of the FDC. They did what they could to intimidate the public from showing up at the rallies there.

Also a deflector from Go-Forward Hon. Amama Mbabazi had the support earlier last year from Nakaseke Democratic Party MP Candidate William Kasibante. He stood on stage and publicly now deflected to support Dr. Kizza Besigye.

While the Police we’re driving with Crime Preventers to stop the public from going. This shows the orders from up-high since the districts police is interfering in yet another opposition rally. The DPC Justus Asiimwe can’t be happy with his men’s work since it was not working well. Since the people and public did show up to the rallies even with the mobilization of Police and Crime Preventers did not stop the crowds or local citizens to show up. That means the security forces did not secure the public, instead making the issues being interfering directly into politics and party affiliation as the matter of not doing the same when NRM and Mzee came to the district. This shows loyalty towards him and partiality in a way that should not be happening at this time of Electoral Commission and their Election Road Map of 2016.

So there you have it! That should be enough.  Peace.

Kizza Besigye Message after the rallies:

“Mwebale Nyo Nakaseke/Thank you very much Nakaseke: Today 8 rallies in total were accomplished as we wrapped the day at Ssemuto. #Wesigye Besigye”.